Western Wayne Schools chose a father of five to restore its board to five members, and now he’ll serve alongside his own fifth grade teacher.
At their meeting on Wednesday, May 14, board members unanimously chose Ryan Riggs of Mount Auburn to fill the seat previously held by David Sturgis, who left the board in April.
Riggs is a 2006 Lincoln High School graduate. He and his wife Kim, also an LHS grad, now have a middle schooler, two elementary and one preschooler attending WWS.
“It’s a goal for our kids to remain in the school system, and there’s no better way to help improve the system than being part of it,” Riggs said.
He said he wants to learn more about district operations and gain a better understanding of his role so he can help provide the best possible learning experience for kids and help WWS grow.
Beyond his years of attending WWS and experiencing it as a parent, Riggs offers law enforcement expertise.
He has worked for Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 10 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Indiana University East and completed the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
Riggs was the only candidate who lived in District A who applied to replace Sturgis, board member Brent Fortman said.
Board member and retired WWS teacher Jenni Risch expressed confidence in her former student’s abilities to serve, noting she’s proud of him. Risch also interacted with Riggs as a parent while teaching his oldest child in third grade.
Risch and Phil Pflum are WWS’ at-large members. Fortman represents District C, and board President Kris Bex serves District B.
A version of this article appeared in the May 21 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.